How to crack KEAM 2026? - Candidates getting ready for the Kerala Engineering, Architecture, and Medical (KEAM) Entrance Exam 2026 should start their journey with a clear plan. The KEAM exam 2026 is expected to be held in April 2026, is one of the most important state-level entrance tests in Kerala. It is taken by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, KEAM provides admission into undergraduate courses such as B.Tech, B.Pharma, and B.Arch across 177 institutes, which includes government, aided, private, and self-financing colleges. It provides great and wide opportunities, so you should know the exam pattern, important topics, and the best books are the first step toward planned preparation.
Just as you get ready for other competitive test with dedication, discipline, and smart planning, you have to do the same for KEAM. Candidates should be focused on finishing the syllabus, you should practice previous year papers, and solve mock tests regularly to improve accuracy and speed. As thousands of candidates give exams every year, a well-planned preparation plan not only guarantees greater performance but also increases confidence. We provide these KEAM 2026 preparation tips to help candidates improve their efforts and increase their possibility of success.
Exam pattern of KEAM 2026 is given below for your reference. Check it to understanding more details:
Aspect | Engineering (B.Tech) | B.Pharm |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Language | English only | English only |
Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) | 90 minutes (1.5 hours) |
Total Questions | 150 MCQs | 75 MCQs |
Total Marks | 600 | 300 |
Sections & Questions | Mathematics – 75 Qs (300 marks) Physics – 45 Qs (180 marks) Chemistry – 30 Qs (120 marks) | Physics – 45 Qs (180 marks) Chemistry – 30 Qs (120 marks) |
Marks per Question | +4 | +4 |
Negative Marking | –1 for each wrong answer (MCQs only) | –1 for each wrong answer (MCQs only) |
Unattempted Qs | 0 marks | 0 marks |
Prioritize NCERTs First
Honestly, before you even bother with those massive reference books, you need to finish NCERTs inside out. A huge chunk of KEAM Chemistry and Physics questions are straight out of these textbooks, sometimes even word-for-word. Revisit them until you can practically recite the important points.
Sharpen Your Calculation Speed
KEAM is well known for lengthy calculation-based questions, they are majorly added in Maths and Physics. So, you should be ready with mental math tricks, squares, cubes, quick multiplication, fractions, and more. Practicing these shortcuts will save you precious minutes during the actual exam.
Maintain a “Mistake Book”
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Every time you make an error on a previous year’s question or a mock test, jot it down in a notebook. Be specific about the type of mistake, was it a miscalculation, a formula slip, or just carelessness? Review this book regularly. That way, you’ll catch yourself before repeating the same errors in the exam.
Practice Past Papers
Don’t just go through old papers, actually practice them. Look for consistent concepts, note how questions appear and twist. This kind of review helps you anticipate patterns and prepares you for the examiner’s style in upcoming exams.
Learn to Skip When Needed
Remember, KEAM has negative marking. If a question is taking too long or seems overly difficult, it’s smarter to skip and move on. Only return if you have time after finishing everything else. Focus on accuracy, attempting fewer questions but getting them right will always fetch you a better score than wild guessing.
Mock tests are one of the most effective tools for KEAM 2026 preparation. They create the actual exam environment, letting students practice under certain exam-like conditions and evaluate their preparation. Here you can access KEAM 2026 Mock Tests:
Title | Link |
KEAM 2026 Mock Test |
KEAM sample papers and previous year question papers are important ways for aspirants planning to perform well in the exam. They are important to enhance your preparation. Here you can access them:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, NCERT is enough for KEAM. But if you want to score good marks then do refer to some best KEAM books.
The KEAM 2026 exam is predicted to happen in April, 2026. The official dates will be announced by CEE Kerala on the official website.
Solve last year KEAM papers and follow best books. These are the best KEAM study material.
On Question asked by student community
If you belong to the OEC (Other Eligible Communities) – Kumbharan category and are applying for KEAM 2026, you need to follow the Kerala Government–prescribed procedure carefully, as OEC is different from OBC and SC/ST categories.
For KEAM, the category certificate is not issued automatically through the application. You must first obtain a valid OEC Certificate / Non-Creamy Layer Certificate in the prescribed Kerala Government format. This certificate is issued by the Village Officer or Tahsildar of your area in Kerala. While applying, clearly mention that you belong to the OEC–Kumbharan community, which is listed under OEC in the Kerala reservation rules. The certificate should specifically state that you are eligible for educational concessions meant for OEC candidates.
During the KEAM 2026 online application process, you need to select your category correctly as OEC (not OBC or General). After filling in personal and academic details, you will be required to upload scanned copies of supporting documents. At this stage, upload your valid OEC certificate, along with other mandatory documents like SSLC, Plus Two certificates, nativity certificate, and income certificate if fee concession is applicable.
Once the application submission is complete, KEAM conducts document verification, either online or at designated facilitation centres, depending on the admission year’s guidelines. During verification, authorities will check whether your OEC certificate is valid, issued by the competent authority, and matches the community listed under OEC. If there is any mismatch or if the certificate format is incorrect, your category claim may be rejected and you may be considered under the General category.
It is important to note that OEC candidates are eligible for fee concessions and reservation benefits, but only if the certificate is produced and approved during verification. Also, ensure that the certificate is recent and valid for the admission year 2026, as outdated certificates may not be accepted.
To avoid issues, it is strongly advised to check the official KEAM 2026 prospectus once released and, if needed, contact the KEAM helpdesk or your local Village Office/Taluk Office well in advance. Applying early and uploading the correct certificate in the correct format will ensure that your OEC–Kumbharan category benefits are considered properly during KEAM counselling and seat allotment.
Hello,
With a KEAM rank of 19,000 and belonging to the OBC Muslim category, you have a strong chance of getting into a private BHMS college in Kerala under Muslim Merit in 2025. While admission depends on the number of applicants and their scores in a given year, a 19,000 rank should be competitive for private colleges, especially within a reserved quota.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello Aspirant,
Based on previous years' KEAM allotment data, getting a seat at Jamia Salafiya Pharmacy College with a rank of 22270 in the third allotment is unlikely .
The college's cutoff ranks in past years for the final allotment rounds have generally been much lower than your rank. It's advisable to look at other colleges where your rank might be competitive.
Hello
If you're preparing for KEAM Maths, chapter-wise PYQs are a total game-changer. They help you focus on one topic at a time and understand what kind of questions usually come up. Books like Arihant’s or Embibe’s chapter-wise collections make it super easy to practice smart. You’ll spot patterns, improve speed, and gain confidence step by step.
Hello,
With a KEAM rank of 22,270, you have good chances in many self-financing colleges based on previous year trends. Some options are:
Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kottayam
Marian Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram
Saintgits College of Engineering, Kottayam
MEA Engineering College, Malappuram
Sahrdaya College of Engineering, Thrissur
College of Engineering, Kidangoor (Kottayam)
SCMS School of Engineering & Technology, Ernakulam
Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering & Technology, Kalady
MES College of Engineering & Technology
Sree Narayana Guru College of Engineering & Technology, Kannur
Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology
Ahalia School of Engineering & Technology
Other self-financing options like Carmel, Christ, Muthoot, Royal, Neptune, Ilahia etc.
You can expect branches like Civil, Mechanical, and sometimes CSE/ECE in these colleges. Final allotment depends on seat availability and counselling rounds.
Hope it helps !
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